Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure performed when a person’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. This can occur due to cardiac arrest, drowning, choking, or trauma. Timely CPR can significantly increase the chances of survival by maintaining blood flow to vital organs until professional help arrives.
When to Use CPR
CPR should be initiated if the person is:
- Unresponsive and not breathing normally
- Not showing signs of circulation (no pulse)
Steps to Perform CPR
1. Call for Emergency Help
Before beginning CPR, call your local emergency number or ask someone else to call. If available, request an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
2. Begin Chest Compressions
Place the heel of one hand in the center of the person’s chest (on the lower half of the breastbone). Place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers. Keep your elbows straight and use your body weight to press hard and fast—at least 2 inches deep and at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
3. Provide Rescue Breaths (If Trained)
After every 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths. Tilt the person’s head back slightly to open the airway, pinch the nose shut, and deliver a breath lasting about one second, watching for chest rise.
4. Continue the Cycle
Continue cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until emergency medical personnel arrive or the person begins to breathe on their own.
Important Note
If you are not trained in rescue breathing, focus on continuous chest compressions without interruption. This “Hands-Only CPR” can still be lifesaving in the first few minutes of an emergency.